The Western Bulldogs have bolstered to their coaching staff with the appointment of former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary to a development and leadership role at Whitten Oval.
Geary, who retired from the Saints after a 15-year, 207-game career, joins Matthew Egan and Daniel Pratt on Luke Beveridge’s coaching strikeforce for 2024.
The 35-year-old joined the AFL in 2008 and was elected Saints captain in 2017, succeeding club legend Nick Reiwoldt, who held the position from 2017 to 2021 before stepping down.
Geary’s final game at the highest level would be the same season, with injuries preventing him from returning to the field the year before he declared his retirement.
Geary has returned to the game after a year away, signing with the Bulldogs for 2024, taking on a development position with the club’s AFL and VFL programs while also planning to work with the leadership group.
“It was a really exciting opportunity presented by the Bulldogs and I’m extremely grateful to begin my coaching journey under Luke Beveridge and the team,” Geary said in a statement released by the club.
“I’ve always respected the Bulldogs from afar during my playing days, and hopefully I can bring some of my experiences from St Kilda to help benefit the program.”
Geary, a Moorabbin Life Member, was a fierce leader and gutsy defender for the Saints during his stint with the club.
Bulldogs football director Chris Grant stated that Geary would be an important component of the club’s coaching staff in the future.
“As a recently retired player, his knowledge of the game will be an invaluable asset to our coaching and player groups, while also providing Jarryn with learning and development from our highly experienced coaching staff led by Luke Beveridge.”
“Our leaders will benefit from having someone of Jarryn’s leadership experience and we look forward to officially welcoming Jarryn and his partner Emma and young family to our football club early next month.”
Geary’s position at the Kennel will begin in mid-November.
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